OSHA to publish new shipyard fire-safety standards

WASHINGTON--The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it will publish proposed enhancements to the fire protection standard for shipyards in the Federal Register on Tuesday.

The proposed standards "incorporate some newer technologies for fire protection equipment so employees may receive greater protection from shipyard fire hazards," including self-contained breathing apparatus, according to an OSHA statement.

Specifically, OSHA proposes adding 10 National Fire Protection Assn. standards to the 19 that OSHA previously adopted, as well as requiring employers to use the more recent version of the standards.

Public comments on the proposed standards, known as Docket No. S-051A, are due by Nov. 16. Details about submitting comments are available on the OSHA Web site, www.osha.gov.